Unblocking Writer's Block

What is Writer's Block?  ":a psychological inhibition preventing a writer from proceeding with a piece..." https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/writer's%20block?src=search-dict-box
Sounds like a bunch of psycho-babble to me...


So you want to write and/or need to write, and convinced yourself for whatever reason that you cannot write.  Not going to talk about causes, and why it happens, etc.  -- that's all a bunch of opinions and opinions are like asses: everyone has one and they all stink.  You need to write or want to write, so let's think of something to get back to writing.  First, get back to bare bones basics...how to write 101 -- first year beginner Creative Writing Class stuff.

Four basic styles of writing are?  You're supposed to know this type of stuff...you're a wannabe writer, correct?  Ok, here try these:  1)Expository;  2)Persuasive;  3)Descriptive; and 4)Narrative.  Ok, so now you're asking: "What's this got to do with Writer's Block?"  Going to get to that in a moment...you're blocked up, and this is a way to get you unblocked...like a mental laxative.

So if you paid any attention in the beginning of Creative Writing classes you'd vaguely remember what those four types of writing style are...in brief it goes something like this:

Expository writing is the way you describe or explain how to do something, in a process...a recipe and the directions with the recipe is a very basic, simple example of Expository writing.  The kind of stuff you see in textbooks and DIY guides.

Persuasive writing is the way you 'persuade' or convince someone to agree with whatever you're writing about.  Generally like an editorial piece, where someone has an opinion or is taking a stand regarding something, and wants to persuade the reader to agree.  These are just basic examples.

Descriptive writing is just what it sounds like: a writing piece in which the author is describing a person, place or thing in great detail.  The purpose is to make the reader visualize what is being described: sights, sounds, smells, etc.

Narrative writing is a narration, a story that usually has a beginning and ending, and all the stuff in-between that leads one from the beginning to that ending.  The reader continues reading, to find out: "What happened then...?"

Fine, we remember four very basic writing styles -- just remember there are many sub-styles, and usually one would use a combination of these styles, not just one.

Again, what's all this got to do with Writer's Block?

My answer:  have someone read the information above, and with no direction from you they need to come up with a few simple 'assignments' for you -- the assignment will have a minimum and maximum word-count, and they will choose the subject, and they will choose the writing style.  Example: write a piece with a word count of 750 to 1000 words, using Expository writing style to explain how to change the tire on his/her vehicle.  There needs to be a time limit or deadline when the piece needs to be finished by.  Additionally, if they are aware of what sort of things you are currently trying to write, these 'assignments' have to be completely different, with a completely different style and subject matter.

Have them come up with multiple assignments, but only give them to you one at a time, and not have the time limit too crazy, especially if you have other commitments, ie. regular job, kids, etc. -- but at the same time not too easy either.

And this will not work properly if you give the assignment to yourself...this needs to involve someone else, and they need to decide what the assignments will be without guidance from you.  If your wife or husband or significant other or whoever is assisting you with this is not a writer, it may help to explain some of these terms and descriptions a little better, in more detail...that is fine.  But the actual ideas, the assignments themselves, have to be of their own making and choosing.  And then you need to be graded on how well you did the assignment: proper punctuation, grammar, style, etc., all has to be checked.

In the example I gave above regarding the Expository piece on changing the vehicle's tire, in addition to checking basics of grammar, punctuation, etc., they need to judge your writing by answering the question: could I now change the car tire, based on what you've written here, if I knew nothing about changing a tire beforehand?

Will this assist you in getting through your Writer's Block?  You won't know if you don't try.  For those who have already adopted the dismissive attitude towards this suggestion:  that is your 'Mutter' speaking for you.

What is your 'Mutter', you're asking?  That's the voice you listen to when you convince yourself not to do something...example: before you go to bed tonight, brush your teeth with the opposite hand that you normally use.  As soon as you begin you will most likely feel awkward doing it, clumsy, and bumping your teeth with the brush...and telling yourself: "This is dumb...this is ridiculous, why am I using my other hand to brush my teeth when I can do it better with the hand I always use?"  That is your 'Mutter' speaking, and you'll let it convince you I was an idiot to suggest brushing your teeth with your opposite hand; and it's what you're listening to now if you've already decided to not even give this writing assignment suggestion a try.

You have Writer's Block, or know someone who does, -- that's most likely why you're reading this in the first place.  So what have you got to lose by trying it?